La Strada, Scotts Rd: “The unparalleled lashings of umami kept returning in waves”

I can only imagine how antsy everyone must be feeling, in anticipation of dining out again. But here it is, folks; the week where it all finally happened. And for me, I couldn’t wait for my first date night again in, I don’t know, maybe two months? I was eager to dress up and finally have a reason to comb my hair, which reminds me of the revamped menu at La Strada that I had a sampling of right before the dining in restrictions kicked in.

No stranger to offering one of the finest Italian fare in Singapore, La Strada at Shaw Centre has managed to remain a popular choice for new and regular diners when it comes to intimate Italian meals. Having been there a handful of times, I can vouch for its impeccable quality—and I’m stating this sans bias, I can assure you. Chef Peter Teo is the restaurant’s latest addition to its team and he lends a refreshing perspective to its menu—one that’ll have you look at modern Italian dishes in a new light.

What I tried

Almost too pretty to eat, I had to mentally convince myself that the Japanese Amera Tomatoes (S$29) will be able to convert this tomato-hating woman to, at least, appreciate the nuances of these delicate tomatoes for their acidity and mild sweetness. I cradled each sliver of tomato a little too long on my fork, but before long, I’d polished off half the plate.

I can possibly thank the symphony of zucchini, fennel pollen, and basil to complement the tomatoes’ mild tartness, but I certainly would recommend this succinct starter to assist in blossoming one’s appetite at the start of their meal here at La Strada.

Another delicate number, the Japanese Red Seabream In Acquapazza (S$45), is accompanied minimally by tomato broth, clams, and kombu, allowing all the amazing briny, sweet flavours of the seafood to truly shine. Just as you’d expect a fish dish to exude allure and charm, this dish does it well and does it bashfully. It doesn’t scream ‘eat me, I’m delicious!’ but it lures you with its seductive, polished flavours that make this just as memorable as any meat dish.

However, I was floored—to the depths of the ocean floor—even more with their Japanese Sea Urchin Tagliolini (tasting portion, off-menu dish, S$80) that entangled me in a sea of emotions that befitted this gift of a dish inspired by the ocean.

A sauce that’s befitting of royalty, the unparalleled lashings of umami kept returning in waves, mouthful after mouthful. The crowning spoonful of caviar tied the dish together excellently, making me almost forget I had to pace myself appropriately to accommodate one final main course.

If there’s one underrated French recipe that goes unnoticed is how beautiful the French roast their chickens. La Strada’s Roasted Whole Organic Chicken (S$90) feeds up to three hungry diners with enough room to consider two or three sides to complete the meal. The meat is unforgivingly succulent; not a coy bird, this one.

Beneath it sits Acquerello risotto that’s imbibed with rich, earthy flavours of well-seasoned chicken stock, juxtapositioning this dish to the chic outfit of the restaurant.

I cannot resist tasting every tiramisu I come across on a menu, and it’s a little contest I’ve been playing in my head since I was old enough for coffee. Having mastered my own recipe for this classic Italian dessert, I always hold high hopes for every iteration I taste. The Tiramisu (S$16) at La Strada is no different, but the only problem was that I was pretty stuffed from my glorious meal to polish off both the Tiramisu and Limoncello (S$16) by myself.

And those who know Wani knows that she has an unbridled yearn for a good dessert. Between the two, my default love for Tiramisu emerged victoriously, but not without the Limoncello being a strong contender of trying to win this chocoholic over. If you prefer a citrusy, creamy end to your meal, the Limoncello will hit all the right bars as your belly sings of gratitude with ample rumbles of contentment.

Final thoughts

I have visited La Strada a handful of times prior to the introduction of this menu, and I honestly have to say, it’s one of the best Italian meals that you can fork out a little more on. Brushing off the stereotype that Italian fare always has to leave you feeling three times heavier than you did walking in—which sometimes can be a guilty pleasure I thoroughly embrace—the fare here is concise, absolutely delicious, and orchestrated with a clear vision of what Chef Teo wants you to taste.

The produce does all the talking, with seasonings and herbs coming together as the best supportive team anyone can ask for.

Expected damage: S$50 – S$80 per pax

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